KATHMANDU, Sept 4: Prime minister and chairman of CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that he believes that the question related to transitional justice will be resolved by the parliamentary committee.
He said this while addressing a program held in Kathmandu on Monday.
After the commencement of the new parliament, the bill has been registered with some amendments and is currently under consideration in the parliamentary committee, he said, adding that he hopes the committee will resolve some of the issues raised by the stakeholders. He said that this amendment will lead Nepal towards the rights of victims, stable and lasting peace.
Reviewing transitional justice
He said that in the context of transitional justice, it is necessary to consider the nature of the struggle, the context and the role played in social change with the establishment of democracy. He said that economic, social and cultural rights are recognized as achievements in the new constitution made after the struggle. He claimed that economic, social and cultural rights were obtained due to the ‘people's war’. PM Dahal expressed his concern that human rights violations in the past have not yet been addressed.
He stated, "The new constitution itself is a direct outcome of the peace agreement, encompassing almost all the fundamental human rights enshrined in international human rights law. The prompt implementation of the economic, social, and cultural rights outlined in the constitution represents a significant milestone and remains a primary focus in resolving the conflict. This constitutional commitment became a reality thanks to the people's movement and the people's war."
"Secondly, we have successfully integrated former combatants into both the Nepali Army and society at large. However, we have not yet fully addressed past human rights violations. In light of this, I wish to reaffirm, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, our dedication to establishing a credible transitional justice process. This process aims to provide compensation to the victims and hold the perpetrators of severe human rights violations accountable, all while uncovering the truth," the further said.
"In pursuit of this endeavor, we have meticulously refined the terms of the peace agreement. We pledge to adhere to the directives of the Supreme Court of Nepal, as well as our international commitments and the best interests of the victims. To facilitate this, the Act on the Commission on Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth, and Reconciliation underwent amendments and was submitted to the Parliament in July 2022, following extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the victims," he explained, while adding:
"Unfortunately, it did not pass at that time. However, with the advent of the new parliament, the bill has been reintroduced with certain amendments and is currently under consideration within the parliamentary committee. We remain optimistic that the committee will successfully address some of the concerns raised by stakeholders."
